Australia's Kangaroos
...ts and desert plains to tropical areas. Life and Habitat: Kangaroos are herbivorous, eating a wide range of plants and some fungi. Most are nocturnal although some are active in the early morning and in the late evening. The various species of kangaroos live in different environments. The potoroids make nests and tree-kangaroos live in trees. The larger species tend to shelter under trees, in caves, or rock clefts. One characteristic that is common in the kangaroo species is the powerful back legs. Thus allowing them to hop and a fifth limb when moving slowly. All of the females have an opening pouch in the front which the young will stay until it can survive on its own. Kangaroos are able to breed all year-round. This means that the population of the kangaroo can increase fourfold in five years if it has continuous access to food and water. Protection: Exporting kangaroos is illegal under Wildlife Protection Act 1982. There are only a few exceptions, for example zoo-to-zoo exchanges in small numbers overseas. Kangaroos hunted for commercial use must be killed instantly by a single shot in the head and by a licensed, fully trained hunter. The legislation throughout Australia protects kangaroos...